It comes after a community drop-in session was held in February for residents to share their views on plans for the relocation of the Havering Islamic Cultural Centre (HICC).
The HICC, which currently operates in Waterloo Road, was first founded in 1982 and had no plans to move the location of its venue.
However, the place of worship was forced to negotiate after its site was assumed by Havering Council under a compulsory purchase order (CPO).
These orders allow councils and other public bodies to acquire property and land without the owner’s consent, in the name of public interest developments such as new housing and regeneration.
In this case, the CPO was made as part of the Bridge Close regeneration scheme of Waterloo Road, which is set to see more than 1,000 new homes introduced to the area alongside healthcare and retail provision.
During negotiations it is understood that the HICC was offered premises on this estate, but this offer was rejected for failing to suit its needs.
The HICC had been planning an expansion of its Waterloo Road site but set its sights on a plot of land in South Street instead.
This prospective site is located at 222 to 226 South Street and consists of a building erected in 1933 at a builder’s merchants. More recently, it was occupied by Brickyard Bar and Smokey’s Shack.
Though formal plans have yet to be submitted for the relocation and redevelopment of the “inadequate” site, the HICC envisages a “purpose-built mosque, offering expanded educational services, funeral facilities, and increased capacity for over 1,000 worshippers”.
As part of the relocation, the HICC is set to rebrand as Havering Mosque.
According to the Havering Mosque website, the HICC in Waterloo Road “lacks the necessary space for the increasing number of weekly visitors and for our fully-booked classes”.
It added: “The new mosque design is notably larger than our current location, and Havering Council has committed to funding a portion of the construction.
“The exact amount of their contribution is still under negotiation, but based on the information provided, we anticipate a shortfall of £4.5m to complete construction.”
This shortfall referred to is the money the mosque will need to fundraise on its own for the project, given the increased size of the Havering Mosque.
Any contribution by the council is in compliance with regulations surrounding CPOs, which in this case relates to the relocation of the place of worship.
The planning application for this larger, eco-mosque is expected to be initiated “soon” Havering Mosque has revealed.
If approved, the development of the South Street sire would take around 18 months.
Havering Mosque said: “The Havering Mosque aims to symbolise community unity and the growth of Havering Islamic Cultural Centre since its inception.
“The vision is to enhance existing community services and solidify its position as a cornerstone of the local community.
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“The mosque will be constructed to the highest standards, both in quality and environmental sustainability, ensuring it stands as a landmark in the town centre – a testament to the community’s progress and unity.”
We have contacted Havering Council for an update on the latest progress with the discussions.
A spokesperson said: “We are following the CPO code of guidance relating to the market price for the existing property and relocation expenses, and continue to support the HICC to allow for the Bridge Close regeneration to take place.”
